K Books

The teaming of two giants in natural history - author Peter Matthiessen and artist Robert Bateman - to cover one of the world's most revered and endangered groups of birds produced a book whose appeal reaches well beyond "craniacs" and other bird lovers.

Matthiessen's accounts of his globe-spanning travels in search of cranes incorporate extensive historical, cultural, and scientific background information (from Confucius, Chaucer, and Marco Polo to Bertolt Brecht and Aldo Leopold), providing a deeper context for the stories of these majestic birds and their struggles to survive in an increasingly hostile world. Particularly important are his insights into how the future of cranes is increasingly tied to human politics and economics.

Bateman's masterful paintings and drawings capture the grace and noble bearing that earned cranes a place in the mythology of many cultures and the hearts of millions of nature lovers. I only wish there had been more illustrations scattered throughout the book.

Mainstream readers may be somewhat put off by the many endnotes (some of which might have been incorporated into the main text), but the additional detail makes it well worth the trouble of flipping back and forth. Digressions on crane evolution and taxonomy and international politics can be a bit dry but provide valuable insights into the epic and often tragic history of cranes.

The Birds of Heaven is an unusual mix of natural history, travel, personal reflections, and tough lessons in the realities of international cooperation (or lack thereof) in conservation. It is thoroughly engaging, and also has beautiful illustrations and photographs. Everyone who loves the outdoors--not just crane fanatics--should own a copy of this book.

I first read Peter Matthiessen in the 1970s: "The Snow Leopard", and was so moved by his writing that I began to read everything I could find that he authored. I have never been disappointed. "The Birds of Heaven: Travels with Cranes" is, like his other books scholarly and absolutely sings with his love of the subject. And the included art is breathtaking. With International Crane Foundation as well as other authorities on wildlife conservation, Matthiessen has written another book that will transport the reader to numerous countries, under numerous skies to see and hear the ancient bugling of the birds of heaven.

The most striking feature of this book is the color plates, which might make the book a nice gift for a birdlover. This ornithological study works on at least 2 levels:1)it is a detailed study of the current knowledge of 15 species of cranes, most of which are endangered (The Sandhill crane of the US is an exception), efforts for preservation of the species, and ornithological details. To give the briefest example, some of the cranes are migratory,while others are not. Some migrate long distances, as does the crane that nests in Northern Asia and winters in India. The Sandhill crane, of North America, has the longest migration. Most produce only one egg per season, take more than one year to mature (unlike geese), and are subject to predation;the book enumerates the numerous efforts at preservation worldwide, which include using an airplane as an imprinted mother-figure, just like in the film "Fly Away Home." Also there are preservation societies in many countries, including Cornell U. and in Wisconsin in America. 2) It also works as an historical and geographical travel guide to many remote areas of the world, including China, Mongolia, Siberia, Southern and Southeast Asia,Japan, Korea (where cranes inhabit the demilitarized zone) , Australia, England, Africa, and America-- all continents except South America. These cultures are alien in terms of religion, culture,politics and geography at least to me so reading about them presents a formidable challenge. The book is lavishly illustrated with pictures of these beautiful and diverse birds.

_The Birds of Heaven_ by Peter Matthiessen is a well-written and informative account of the fifteen living species of crane. Matthiessen chronicled in the book his years of experience with these birds, traveling to Russia, China, Mongolia (where six species have been recorded), India, Bhutan, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Africa, England (where the Eurasian or common crane, extinct there since 1653, is at last a breeding species once more), Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Florida to study and write about the various species. Matthiessen's superb writing is accompanied by truly excellent artwork by artist Robert Bateman, who produced a number of black and white drawings and color paintings for the book.

Matthiessen did an excellent job of covering the biology of cranes in general and of each species individually. The crane family (Gruidae) we learn is found on every continent except South America and Antarctica and is comprised of three genera, _Grus_ (to which all but five of the living species belong to and a group primarily found in Eurasia), _Anthropoides_ (which includes the demoiselle crane as well as the blue crane of South Africa, which may be descended from it; Matthiessen discussed many theories of crane evolution), and _Balearica_ (which includes two African species, the black crowned and gray crowned). Though sometimes called herons in some parts of the world (or more often herons are referred to as cranes), cranes differ from herons in that cranes fly with neck outstretched rather than curved back over the shoulder (they differ from storks in that storks display broad tails, which the cranes lack).

The several species of crane have subtly different breeding habitat and food preferences; for instance in the Amur Basin the white-naped crane probes for tubers while the red crowned crane hunts small animals and picks at vegetation. Not all cranes are restricted to wetlands; while for example all three of the rare white cranes are found only in marshes, the more widespread and abundant demoiselle, Eurasian, and sandhill cranes are generalized feeders able to succeed in a variety of terrains, with the demoiselle primarily an upland feeder.

Some cranes have rather unusual adaptations. Several species are "diggers" - feeding primarily on mud-buried tubers - and these species (the white-naped, sarus, brolga, Siberian, and wattled cranes) have naked, non-feathered skin on their head down to the bill, which is an adaptation analogous to the naked head and neck of vultures. The brolga crane, which is more often found in salt marshes than other species, has evolved specialized salt glands near the eyes through which it can secrete concentrated salts. Feather painting is also covered; some species daub their feathers with wet vegetation or mud during nesting season for camouflage.

The role of cranes in myth and history is also discussed. The word crane comes from the old German word "Cranuh," which like the genus name _Grus_ is a rendition of the bird's cry. The Yakuts people of Siberia revered the Siberian crane as a symbol of their various clans, a uniting symbol for their people. The sarus crane of India (at nearly six feet tall the tallest flying bird on earth) has been for centuries revered as a holy messenger of Vishnu, a Hindu deity, a reverence that has protected this crane from hunting (similarly a Buddhist reverence for life in general and often cranes in particular has helped kept cranes safe in such places as Bhutan). The red-crowned crane (or in Japanese "tancho;" the heaviest flying bird on earth) was revered as a messenger of death and symbol of eternal life to the Ainu and portrayed in Japanese robes, wedding kimonos, screens, scrolls, and other items for centuries. Revered also in Korea as "turumi," a companion to sages, scholars, and musicians, in both nations it was also regrettably hunted and eaten. More recently the peace symbol of the 1960s was originally a Hopi Indian sign derived from the footprint of a crane.

One thing that surprised me was that some crane discoveries were made fairly recently. The whooping crane's breeding ground was found after nine years of searching in 1954. A large, breeding, unknown (though known to Aborigines) population of sarus cranes was discovered in 1961 in Australia. A non-migratory population of red-crowned cranes on Hokkaido wasn't confirmed until 1972. The breeding ground of the central Siberian population of the Siberian crane wasn't found until 1978. The black-necked or Tibetan crane was as late as 1987 thought to be rapidly vanishing, the second most endangered crane on earth, but surveys in the early 1990s in Tibet and Bhutan pegged the species at a much healthier count of 5,500 birds, showing that early estimates were way off.

Issues of crane conservation are well covered, with Matthiessen chronicling the dire straits faced by many of the species, the heroic efforts made by some to save them, and even their role as "umbrella species;" that when their habitats are preserved many other plants and animals benefit. The Amur Basin of Russia for instance - a vital crane habitat - is being threatened by massive deforestation, agricultural runoff, pollution from mining, and proposed dams. Attempts by such agencies as the International Crane Foundation to broker deals between those nations that share the Amur and its products - Russia, South Korea, China, and Japan - has been stymied by mutual mistrust (extending to ridiculous extremes; Chinese officials refusing for instance to refer to the red-crowned crane as the Japanese or Manchurian crane, both frequently used common names). Some successes exist; the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Reserve near Bharatpur, India, established to preserve wintering Siberian cranes is now also home to 364 bird species as well as pythons, nilgai antelope, and sambar deer (though the park is still threatened by the crush of humanity in crowded India).

In addition to being an excellent book on the history and natural history of cranes it is also a wonderful travel book, the author doing a great job of describing what it is like to travel in such exotic places as Bhutan and Mongolia.

I have used suggestions in this book many times when issues came up with my daughter, and even used ideas here to come up with some of my own. The ceremonies were fun, easy to adapt and effective ways to raise issues for discussion. They were suprisingly effective at getting us unstuck so we could move on.

I have recommended the book to several parents, both adoptive and biological.

As an adult adoptee, I can say I needed this book when I was younger. The title is deceiving. It tackles all the issues adoptees and even foster kids can relate to. I wish my parents had done these ceremonies with me. Some of them would have helped a lot. The ones around fear, loss, transitions, and self-esteem would have been especially helpful. Get this for your family today -- don't waste another minute thinking about it.

This book is a treasure. So many of the books I've read on adoption offer advice that isn't from the real world. This book is full of practical, easy-to-follow, helpful information. A true gift for adoptive parents!

This book shows families how to honor and cherish simple and complex acts of every day life. The authors lead readers through real life situations with compassion, knowledge, empathy and personal stories. It's an educational read for potential parents of adopted children and a must read for those who have already welcomed children into their homes.

I bought this book because a friend suggested it. It sounded like a lot of fluff.

It turned out to be a lifesaver!

There were times I was at the end of my rope and I found a way to turn a rough situation around because of this book.

During calm periods I used other ideas to teach or enhance self-esteem in my two children.

Do yourself a favor and buy this sooner rather than later. I wish I had. It is a jewel.

What kid hasn't listened in on the telephone? Bill Davidson's children did just that, but didn't realize they hold the key to their father's killer.
Alan York loves racing and left home in South Africa to follow his dream. When he emerged from the fog of a steeple chase race he didn't find his friend a winner, but dead in a manner that was no accident.
Greed and fixed races were behind Bill's death and leave Allan the owner of Admiral and fighting for his own life.
Dead Cert is one of the riveting reads of a long career. Enjoy!
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS and QUALIFYING LAPS.

I never know what to expect when I begin a new Dick Francis novel - but I always enjoy the ride. This one is no exception.

This is the first Dick Francis mystery and I like it the second best. I like "Nerve" slightly better, but only slightly. This "Dead Cert" contains several impressive scenes. The most impressive is the climax in which the star horse "Admiral" plays an unexpectedly spectacular role. It is definitely THE MOST SPECTACULAR scene in ALL Francis mysteries. Highly Recommended.

I was amazed to learn after reading this one that it was Dick Francis' first novel. Francis was a very successful jockey--racing for the Queen Mother in the 1950's--and after a career-ending injury, he penned his memoirs. Following that success, he developed and incredibly successful second act as a novelist.

I discovered Francis' work last summer--and I have plans to read everything he's done. In the 3 books I've read, his heroes are all gentleman sleuths--full of character, empathy, and wits. In Dead Cert, the trend continues with Alan York, a young amateur jockey trying to uncover the mystery of why a copper wire was intentionally hung to trip his fellow jockey. York is on his own resolving this caper, having failed to fully convince the police that this was anything more than an accidental death.

The writing is of a high caliber, the characters are wonderfully drawn, and I always learn a thing or two about horses--and England--when I read Dick Francis. There's also something quaint about reading a book set in an age before computers, cell phones, and DNA evidence. Grade: A-

In yet another gripping story of mystery, murder and British steeplechasing, Dick Francis continues his amazing streak of hit novels.

His real appeal is not racing or mystery however, it is his ability to create characters who are admirable, honorable and self-reliant. If you're looking for troubled, self-loathers who "somehow" overcome their weakness and become unwilling and unwitting heroes, don't look here. Francis' heroes revel in their abilities to withstand evil, overcome it, and end up smiling in spite of it all.

Kudos once again for Dick Francis and Dead Cert!

DeeDee and Gabby have been best friends for most of their lives. And for the majority of their friendship, DeeDee has been the idea person. DeeDee concluded whom each of them should marry and that neither of them would have children. Until DeeDee-approaching her fortieth birthday, changed her mind.

Gabby has been a mostly happy accomplice. After all, DeeDee's plans just made sense. So Gabby plays the supportive friend role through two years on DeeDee's rollercoaster ride through infertility. Just when DeeDee's reproductive life decides to comply with her wishes, Gabby begins to notice that DeeDee isn't really DeeDee anymore.

This is a wonderful book about the love and personalities that bind a friendship together. It is one of those books that I wish I could have written. Sharon Souza handled the infertility aspect of the story with such humor and grace-and by painting it from Gabby's perspective, she was able to get the emotion without too deeply plumbing the depths of despair.

If you are looking for a good and somewhat funny book about infertility, this is it. If you are looking for a good book about friendship, this is it. And, okay, I can't call it a good book about Early Onset Alzheimer's, because that disease is far too depressing to be described in any way as "good," but the end was highly satisfying, anyway.

Armchair Interviews says: A book that is very "satisfying" on many levels.

Sharon Souza's debut novel captured me from the first chapter. One thing I loved about this story is that it told of a beautiful, loving relationship between two women modeled on the love between David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. Sometimes even loving the most lovable person in the world isn't easy, and Souza illustrated the blessing of doing just that.

Scenes of self-doubt and frustration that revealed the character of Gabby as a flesh-and-blood woman who wrestles with doing the right thing were beautifully written. The story drove toward an issue that would disturb the seemingly perfect lives of her characters to create the ultimate conflict. I was curious about what that would be and how it would play out, and I was satisfied with the turn the story took.

This story ended up being a love story between friends and illustrated the ultimate love story between God and his people. Well done!

Every Good & Perfect Gift "adeptly portrays the strengths of friendship, and the wonderful but often difficult relationships between mothers and daughters," as the Publisher's Weekly review says.

What the review doesn't mention is how realistic the characters are and how significant the story is. Written in the first person, but as much about another character as the "I," the novel gives unique voices to both women. And makes the reader care for both.

This book is not light weight. It "adeptly" deals with serious issues (not just friendship, though in saying "just" I'm not implying that friendship isn't a worthy topic to explore. Rather, this novel goes beyond that scope and treats something bigger) and "Souza laudably refuses to succumb to a pat ending that neatly ties up all the loose ends." Rather than frustrating, this ending seemed to me like the only one possible.

At one point, the PW review called Every Good & Perfect Gift "poignant." That's a good word to describe the story. "Sad" is inaccurate because the story has more to say than "what happened in the end." Besides, in places, the journey to the end is itself poignant.

At times I was laughing, at other times I wanted to shake one or both characters, but in the end I cried. And cried. If one sign of a successful novel is that it evokes emotion in the reader, then Sharon Souza has written one very successful novel.

Mind you, it is most definitely women's fiction. It is contemporary, and it may touch on some raw edges for some people. But in so doing, it also might help those readers process what is almost an untouchable subject (or subjects) among Christians.

Yes, this book is also overtly Christian, but without any platitudes or pretension. It is simply a moving story, one that touched me even though I am far from the target audience. Good books have a way of doing just that.

I loved Sharon's book. Her prose was fresh and original. She wrote it in first-person point of view, which is my favorite approach. It's challenging to do, and she made it look easy. She wrote with such depth and heart, I have to applaud her! I highly recommend "Every Good and Perfect Gift."

In her debut novel, Sharon Souza introduces herself as an author of depth, compassion, and faith. Her first book, Every Good and Perfect Gift is a beautiful look at friendship and sacrifice.

Gabby Whitaker and DeeDee McAllister have been best friends since sixth grade. Theirs is a rare and beautiful friendship born of time and shared faith. Gabby always considered DeeDee the strong one and herself the follower.

Not only are they best friends, but they married best friends. As they near their fortieth birthdays, DeeDee announces her decision that she does want to have a baby, despite her adamancy for the past twenty years she didn't. The four embark on a journey of infertility, tests, trials, failures, and the birth of a beautiful baby. Through it all, Gabby and DeeDee's friendship grows ever stronger. After the birth, Gabby becomes increasingly concerned over disturbing changes in DeeDee's behavior. The diagnosis changes everyone's life forever and challenges their faith. Gabby finds the greatest joy is in sacrificing for your friend.

Sharon Souza has written a modern day story similar to the friendship of Jonathon and David in the Old Testament. This heartwarming story will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to call your best friend and say 'thank you.' The characters are as real as your next door neighbors. I highly recommend this book. Maybe give it to your best friend and read it at the same time. Sharon's debut novel leaves the reader eagerly anticipating her next one.

Zooms with excitement from the first page to the last!!! I even bought a second copy, that's what friends are for :)

FROM LEESBURG FLORIDA: BIG FIVE STAR RATING FOR THIS BOOK!!!Just received my autographed copy of E.K. Barber's "Flight Into Danger" and I am recommending it to all my friends. It's chuck full of action and suspense. I can't wait to get to the end...and get her other books...YES the author is a woman of great talent!! She owns her own business, writes books, and is a professor at Edgewood College in Madison Wisconsin, to mention just a few of her talents. BUY THIS BOOK! The character of Skye Madison truly is E.K. Barber's alter ego: everything that the author is and some of what she is not and what Barber imagines and probably wishes to be is strung into the development of Skye Madison and the story of "Fight Into Danger". While Skye Madison may have some of E.K. Barber's heart and mind and soul, the character is totally imaginary, just as E.K. Barber is a pen name. Writing beyond themselves is something that only a few authors can do this well. I will leave it to others to research the real name of E.K. Barber. Let me just say that people who know the real E.K. Barber are delighted that she has taken a change in her multi-facited career to pen this book. WAY TO GO!

This book is so packed with action, and the characters are so engaging, you won't be able to put it down! The dialogue is truly laugh-out-loud funny. I loved it!

I had the pleasure of meeting E.K. in person at a booksigning. Her energy is amazing and I treasure my autographed copy. Keep up the good work, E.K., and keep these books coming. I can't wait to see what happens with Skye and Alex next. Count me among your biggest fans!

I couldn't put it down until it was finished! Flight Into Danger left me wanting there to be more pages in the book! I found the characters and the plot to be interesting and intelligent. In my opinion, E.K. Barber has written a truly enjoyable first book. I look forward to reading her upcoming books in this new series. I can't wait to find out more about these wonderful, sexy characters! I will continue to recommend this book to all of my friends.

If you've ever thought there wasn't enough adventure in a romance novel and not enough romance in an adventure novel then you should enjoy Flight into Danger. The main character is brainy , beautiful and accomplished, but still human, and finds a match worthy of her in Alex. The plot has enough twists to maintain interest, but not so convoluted, as with some spy novels, that it's tiring to keep track of and the ending has enough surprise to be fun but still within the realm of possibility. This novel is the perfect read to have on one's bedside table, to look forward to adding a new chapter each night, or to tuck into a beach bag for a pleasant escape from reality.

May Sarton is an insightful writer in all of her books. Although I am not a cat lover, I read the book first before deciding whether or not my cat-lover reader friends would enjoy this book. I know they will. The hardcover edition is especially nice for a gift. The illustrations in the book are a treasure as well.

May Sarton, poet and journal-writer extraorindaire, wrote a novella/poem to the Cat, the Gentleman Cat, called "The Fur Person". I have reread this masterpiece every year for the past 25 years. "The Fur Person" is for children and adults, for everyone!

This is a good book both children and adults. Couldn't wait to read the next chapter.

This book was given to me as a gift and after reading it I promptly bought 4 from Amazon to give as gifts for the holidays. The author has truly captured her cat's essence. It's beautifuly written and tells just how much love a cat needs and gives. I highly recommend this book.

Author May Sarton has given me some of my most reflective reading experiences with her journals but I've been much less organized about reading her poetry and novels. When I spotted her 1957 short novel The Fur Person it was an easy choice to grab it. Sarton spent her last twenty years in Maine, so I have a special interest in her work.

The story, told from the cat's point of view, is of a stray cat, a Cat-about-town. His life on the streets is guided by the Ten Commandments of the Gentleman Cat, such as "Never allow constraint of your person under any circumstances." One day the hunger and homelessness begin to pall, and our cat goes about "finding a permanent home and staff." His search brings him to the home of Sarton and her partner, who are known to the cat as Gentle Voice and Brusque Voice. Once installed in their home in Cambridge, MA, he dines on creamed haddock, keeps the neighborhood cats in line, and has the occasional catnip bender. They name him Tom Jones because he was a foundling, and perform their servant duties admirably. This little parable ends with our cat musing on what it means to be a Fur Person: a status that can only occur "if the human being has imagined part of himself into a cat."

The Fur Person is a short but essential read for cat lovers. The 1978 edition has a preface by May Sarton containing a rare treat: she tells the story of going away for a sabbatical year and leaving house and cat in the care of Vladimir and Vera Nabokov. The great writer used Sarton's study, where he installed a semi-reclining stuffed armchair for his writing -- with Tom Jones draped across his chest.

This is a charming little book that says as much about the people as the cat, and even more about the comfort of home and family. Every lover of cats or of the English language will enjoy it.

Linda Bulger, 2008

Great for anyone who is wondering where all the common sense has disappeared to in our politically correct society and who enjoys a few chuckles while reading.
Absolutely delightful and a wonderful introduction to Chesterton.

This book makes for a good introduction to the world of Chesterton. However any person who is even partially familiar with his works will garner little information from this book.

While Dale Alquist is a great scholar, I find his commentary to be one sided at best. I believe (a phrase never used by Mister Alquist) that Chesterton can stand on his own, without commentary.

Ahlquist's introductory text to Chesterton was a delightful, witty, and quick read which set me afire once again to read an author whom the contemporary world has lamentably forgotten - and not accidentally. I have before fallen in love with Chesterton and hope to continue to fall in love with this humble intellectual giant, the apostle of the people, of "common sense" as Ahlquist says. This text functions very well to whet anyone's appetite for Chesterton.

One of the marks of a great mind is a unity in thought, particularly over time - even when time realizes various conversions, like the life of Chesterton. In Ahlquist's bird's-eye view of Chesterton's major works, the general theme of Chesterton's levity and love for the obvious, simple paradoxes of life shines forth as a glorious beacon to the majestic thoughts of this man. The text on the whole is a delightful, yet not too serious, admixture of the author's musing with quotes of varied length from Chesterton. It is a joy to leap from subject to subject in this short overview, for that was the way that the physically massive writer would write, like the most free of angels, floating humbly above the fray of grave intellectuals. I highly recommend this text to all, from the complete Chesterton novice, to the junior who perhaps needs a re-expansion of his Chestertonian horizons, to the scholar of Chesterton who too can only benefit from stepping back to look at the great masterpiece that is collected works and mind of Chesterton.

This is a terrific introduction to a giant of the 20th century literary world. If you have any doubt as to the pertinence of Chesterton in the modern world, take a few moments to browse through this book. G.K. Chesterton's writings are still vital and alive today, and this book introduces you to the author's works. Well worth the investment of time to read this intro to Chesterton, and then delve into the books of Chesterton with great gusto. Enjoy!

No one will accuse Dale Ahlquist of being detached and objective about Chesterton's work. I don't think there is a serious word of critique in this whole volume, so if you are looking for a broad view of Chesterton, with perhaps even some suggestions that he might be lacking in some regard, then this book is not where you will find it. What Ahlquist does very well is bring the essential arguments that Chesterton makes across the spectrum of his writings together in a concise, accessible and enjoyable book.

This is a book you can pick up and peruse, read a chapter, put it down, pick it up a month later and begin again. The title says it all. Chesterton is presented as the Apostle of Common Sense so the things that you read sound like common sense whenever you read them. You don't have to remember a sustained argument that has gone before.

As a convinced Calvinist I flinch when Chesterton (and Ahlquist) oversimplify significant positions on free will, God's sovereignty and ultimately the quality of life associated with those who hold to different views on it. I don't get upset though because the principles that Chesterton is ultimately arguing for are actually inherent within Calvinism also. What he really says are basic principles of Christianity, not Catholicism, though Chesterton and Ahlquist equate them.

Chesterton's work is worth reading for his arguments on the family and distributive social economy alone. These are words our society needs to hear and we really ought to pay attention.

So, read the book - enjoy the wit and the superb command of the language that truly great intellect can muster - and learn.

Golfers of every age should read this book because it gives you the logical explanation of what you need to do to improve your body to help your golf swing. The explanations are easy to understand and make sense. My personal trainer, Mike Dahlinghaus, recommended it. One of his best. Frank Pavlica

I very good book. Very comprehensive and a big change from all the other golfing books!!

Train smart guys! This manual is fantastic. If you're gonna train, you should seriously take this into consideration, at least as a template. The bread and butter is the fact that he addresses postural distortions and biomechanical tests, which I can say 80% of the trainers in the US don't do.

the book came as represented very new wonderful condition and timely; but with a 30% discount which was hard to find elsewhere

The Fitness Professional will find themselves refering to this book ever so often as it covers all areas from the reason why one should be conditioned for this sport to flexibility tests, the importance of stretching and how to warm up for golf (- an area most often skipped by golf enthusiats) functional exercise (- and the importance of it) strength & power exercises. An important aspect is also that exercises should be progressed from flexibility to stability to strength and finally power to enhance performance and be injury free. The diagrams are excellent for convincing and explaining to clients. Infact the concepts in this book has carry over to any other sport that requires you to move as an integrated whole!!

This book was a revelation! I was curious, but had no idea, what really goes on in the intriguing world of the funeral industry. Ms. Mosca presents an unflinching look at the kinds of challenges and issues that those in this profession are confronted with. What's more, she also shows some fascinating glimpses of her life apart from her work. These facets include a stint with Playboy, acting roles in community theater, and writing assignments for popular funeral trade magazines. I am excited to see that these journalistic adventures have led Ms. Mosca to the writing of a new book, this time, about one of the most famous cemetaries in the country. I look foward to the book's publication later this summer. If it's as compelling as her first book, it is sure to be another hit. Can't wait to read it!

Grave Undertakings was a pleasant surprise to read! The author, Alexandra Mosca, comes across as so genuine, sensitive and caring, that it made me look at funeral directors in a whole different light. Before reading this book, I will admit, I did not have a high opinion of the funeral industry. But, Mosca conveys through her writing how difficult the job can be emotionally and what a special sort of person it takes to do this work. Perhaps, because of her own difficult childhood, the author has a particular empathy for people who are grieving and in pain.
I purchased this book because I recalled seeing Mosca on talk shows over the years, especially when she was a Playboy model (there is a chapter about this), wondering what she had to say about her funeral career. Frankly, I wasn't expecting to be this engrossed by what turned out to be a most sensitive and tasteful memoir. The book takes us through her beginnings as a naieve young woman starting out in a rather hostile environment, trying to learn her trade and do right by her clientele. Despite coming across some rather unpleasant colleagues, (what a bunch of losers) she is determined to succeed.. Along the way, she has many unusual experiences such as attending John Gotti's funeral (another reason I bought the book), as well as poignant ones like working on the charred bodies in the Flight 587 plane crash in NY, shortly after 9/11.
Mosca has guts She is not afraid to take chances and try her hand at different careers, while always remaining dedicated to her role as a funeral director. She has a good sense of humor and is not above poking fun at herself. She sounds like a lot of fun to hang out with.
I hope we hear more from her in another book. Maybe even a televison show with Mosca as the main character. She's a lot more interesting as a real funeral director than any "Six Feet Under" fictional character.
And, Amazon, I hope you will soon be restocking this book!

This book gives great insight into the funeral business. Alexandra has a terrific style and flair for writing. I am awaiting her next work.

From life as a wistful adopted child to her days gracing the pages of national magazines with her Italian-Greek beauty, Alexandra Mosca certainly has a story to tell. And tell it she does! She overcame alot of unhappy days to become a funeral director, model and actress. Her book is filled with stories about the struggles of a young woman trying to make it in a man's business. It is absorbing, funny, sad and poignant. Her sensitivity to the needs of the people and families she serves is evident from the stories that make up this great book. The photos of her as a child are touching and her later good looks radiates through them. This volume some eye opening details of the business as well. The author comes accross as a caring and sensitive funeral director. This book is certainly a must read for anyone interested in the funeral business or contemplating a career in that industry. The publisher should bring out a new edition and make it available as a current book. It is worth it and certainly has the potential to sell. Hopefully, we will see more books by Ms. Mosca!

This was a superb book! I bought this book while still a student of mortuary science, and I have re-read it dozens of times since. I turn to this book for comfort and inspiration when I find myself struggling in the business. I am also a young female funeral director and Alexandra's book is a true-to-life account of what we face. Any young woman hoping to break into the funeral industry must read this book!!!

This is a great book to have as a quick reference for major studies, staging, appropriate treatments. It was a very helpful review for the re-certification exam in radiation oncology.

It's concise and has some solid pearls as intro to each section, lists most of the studies/trials that affect management, includes basic workup, staging tables and management algorithms/tables.
It's also useful for really basic simulation/planning pearls along with some dose constraints.
Great for morning conference prep - at the very minimum, read the relevant chapter out of hansen. The high-yield nature of the information will serve you well.

Some chapters are more high-yield than others (each chapter is by a different set of authors), as is true of any book.

You can also use it to orient yourself on the issues concerning a certain site, before you choose to memorize every word in perez, leibel & gunderson ;)
You can *squeeze* it into your white-coat.
In short, for a new resident, it's indispensable.

Haven't had a chance to check out the new book by Dr. Hafty (I just ordered my copy) in detail - but at first glance that book seems a little more verbose and thicker (will not fit in white-coat) - whereas most of the info in Hansen is in outline format.

This is very useful pocket handbook for just about every radiation oncology trainee out there. It clearly presents management recommendations for everyday malignancies, and then follows that up with a three to four line summary of each of the pivotal papers. Its only weakness is a lack of critical appraisal of the evidence it cites, but then again, if you only rely on this handbook and don't read the evidence yourself, you're not studying properly for your exams!

An excellent basis for structuring your study notes around, and for use in everyday clinical practice. Thoroughly recommended.

In this book you can find all the information you need in just few minutes. The size is very portable and there are all the important references to go deep in every theme.

A good book to start with in an overwhelming field of radiation oncology. Most, if not all, of the important radiation-related clinical trials are included. Can't replace a classic textbook, but very high yield.